As the northern hemisphere heads towards winter, with shorter days and longer nights, burglary statistics tend to increase. According to one source, burglaries around London increased by as much as twenty percent from summer to winter. Under the cover of darkness, burglars are more comfortable to wader around looking for those 'easy targets' for a quick score. Here are some easy tips to avoid becoming part of the statistics:
1. Alarms
If you don't have an alarm, be sure to get one. If you already have an alarm, make sure that the fact is visible. Put a sign board on your gate or wall. This may help to deter any chance thieves. Remember, that alarm won't stop a thief from gaining access but it may deter one. If you can afford it try to add a security company as well.
2. Secure your property.
Take a walk around your property and try to asses where your weaknesses are. Make sure you keep ladders, bins, and garden benches away from places which make it easy to access your home.
High walls, fences, and thorny hedges also make your property less of a target.
3. Keep your doors locked
Good visible locks, burglar proofing on the ground floor etc. will also go a long way to deterring the chance thief. Make sure you keep the doors locked though and ensure that windows on the ground floor are not easily jimmied open.
4. Valuable Items
Try not to leave valuable items lying around or within eye shot of the street. In order words keep temptation at bay.
5. Keep an eye on things.
Properties are also often burgled when you go on vacation. Make sure you tell a neighbor that you've gone. Make sure you've locked the property. For added safety lock your valuables away in a safe or leave hard to replace items at a friends house while you're away.
For more information please visit our website for more articles
